Robert Bateman: Natural Worlds

by Robert Bateman, Rick Archbold

This is a breathtaking exploration of the living systems upon which all life depends--in magnificent new sketches and paintings by the world's foremost wildlife artist. The living systems explored in the book range from Poland's haunting ancient waterways to Costa Rica's cloud forests to North America's pristine yet dwindling wild realms. 120 full-color illustrations.

Genres: Art, Nature, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Bateman, who is 94 years old as of 2024, is one of Canada’s great naturalists and painters. I fell in love with his work a few years ago when I reviewed his book on birds. His artwork is natural but exciting, showing nature in all its beauty. This coffee table book is such a joy to peruse, that it took me ages to finish because I treated it as a gift, for which a few pages during the week gave me great joy. You just can’t go wrong with a Robert Bateman book.

The book is broken into chapters based on geographic areas he has visited. Visits to Africa and Asia yield wonderful lifelike paintings of lions and elephants while the Arctic and the forests of Canada are also a delight. One painting that grabbed my attention is entitled:

DRIFTNET



A poignant reflection on all the wildlife we destroy in search of mass-produced fishing.

My book was autographed by Mr. Bateman, which makes it a treasure as I’m not sure how much longer we will have him around. This publication makes an excellent gift for anyone enthralled with nature painting.

Book Season = Year Round (treasure nature)

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Robert Bateman's amazing paintings many years ago. What makes this book a real gem is the commentary interspersed with the paintings. Mr. Bateman has a conservationist's mind and heart. I don't agree with everything he says, but his observational and perceptual skills, his years of naturalist experience trekking and exploring worldwide, and his gentle and skillful writing style make this book a joy to view, read and ponder.

[John Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art work in this book is beautiful. The accompanying text shows a tendency to romanticize the lives of peasants and hunter-gatherers. It has been noted, aptly, that the life of a peasant may be romantic to look at but is backbreaking to live, and the same thing applies with even greater force to pre-modern hunter-gatherers. Bateman does not seem to realize this basic truth. Regardless of Bateman's shortcomings as a philosopher or policy analyst, though, the paintings are superb.

[A.D. Morel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open anywhere and you will be transported to Bateman's world. And such a world it is! Bateman is a premier wildlife artist, skilled in presenting natural landscapes, animal portraits, and habitats in a realistic style with such life and drama. In this large format book, the plates are just breath-taking. On page 104, see 'Winter pine -- Great Horned Owl' as an example. The bird leans into the wind, snow on the branches looks crisp and recent. Will he find his dinner? Bateman makes us care about the answer to such a question! I love love love this book. Text by Rich Archbold enhances the enjoyment.

[Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is purely for the photos .

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes:
a beautiful collection of wildlife paintings
great descriptive narrative in each section
one of the best naturalist books I've read